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# LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 



9 






I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, i 

m 



AVON SPRINGS: 



MANUAL FOR INVALIDS AND VISITORS, 



CONTAINING AN 



ANALYSIS OF THE WATERS, AND HOW TO USE THEM, 



BY THE LATE Dr. SALISBURY, 




ROC HESTER; 
PUBLISHED 111 D. M. D^WJET, ARCADE: 

1858. 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by 

M. A. SALISBURY, 

in the Clerk's Office of the Northern District of New York. 



PREFACE 



The Analysis of the Sulphur Waters of Avon, by the late Dr. Sal- 
isbury, was published in 1845 ; In 1849 he enlarged and much improved 
the work by adding additional information upon tne use and medici- 
nal properties of these waters ; also, a historical account of the sev- 
eral Springs — Geology of the region in which they are situated — 
general remarks on the chemical constitution of Sulphurous waters — 
classification applied to those of the United States, together with a 
discription of Avon and its vicinity — the beautiful valley of the far- 
famed Genesee, which is memorable for its Indian traditions and 
which a native poet has so beautifully described in verse. 

This work I have in manuscript, and if sufficient encouragement is 
given, will have it published. The great number of invalids who 
annually resort to these springs, renders it necessary that something 
on the subject should be in the hands of the invalids. This consid- 
eration has led me to extract from the larger work in manuscript, 
this small treatise, containing what is to invalids important informa- 
tion in regard to the composition of the water — its medicinal qualities, 
and its application to the particular disease with which they are afflic- 
ted — the mode of administration — Therapeutic application, &c. 

The knowledge acquired by the late Dr. S., in the use of the Avon 
water, during a practice of seventeen years, will, I am confident, be 
received with due appreciation by the public and by those to whom 
he was well known. 

M. A. S, 



ANALYSIS 



ANALYSIS OF LOWER SPRING-By the late Dr. Salisbury. 

IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 10 02 cubic inches 

Nitrogen, 6 42 " " 

Carbonic Acid, 3 92 " " 

Oxygen 56 " «« 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Carbonate of Lime, 29 33 grains 

Chloride of Calcium, 8 41 " 

Sulphate of Lime, 57 44 " 

Sulphate of Magnesia, 49 61 " 

Sulphate of Soda, 13 73 



u 



Total, 158 62 grains 

UPPER SPRING— By Professor Hadley. 

IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen, .12 cubic inches 

Carbonic Acid, 56 " " 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Sulphate of Magnesia, 10 grains 

Sulphate of Lime, 84 " 

Sulphate of Soda, 16 " 

Carbonate of Lime, 8 " 

Muriate of Soda, 18.4 u 

136.4 grains 
NEW BATH SPRING— By Dr. L. C. Beck. 

IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 31 28 cubic inches 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Sulphate of Magnesia, 8 08 grains 

Sulphate of Lime, 3 52 " 

Sulphate of Soda,... .- 38 72 " 

Chloride of Sodium, 5 68 " 

Carbonate of Lime, 26 96 " 

Total, 82 96 grains 



ANALYSTS. 



LONG SPRING— By Dr. J. R. Cpulton. 

IN A WINE GALLON, GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulphretted Hydrogen, . . .43 584 cubic inches 

Carbonic Acid, 5 871 " " 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Sulphate of Lime, 109 05 grains 

Sulph-ate of Magnesia, 13 10 " 

Sulphate of Soda, 8 27 " 

Chloride of Calcium,. 19 31 " 

Chloride of Sodium, 57 89 " 

Chloride of Magnesium, 27 9 " 

Iodine of Sodium, a trace 

Hydrosulphuret of Sodium, 2 45 grains 

Organic Matter, 81 " 



Total, 228 97 grains 

IODINE, OR SYLVAN SPRING— By Dr. J. R. Chilton. 

IN A WINE GALLON — GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulpheretted Hydrogen, 20 684 cubic inches 

Carbonic Acid, 4 992 " " 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Chloride of Magnesium, w . . 62 400 grains 

Chloride of Sodium, 97 440 " 

Sulphate of Lime, 80 426 u 

Sulphate of Magnesia, 12 960 " 

Carbonate of Lime, 26 800 ". 

Carbonate of Magnesia, 15 479 " 

Vegetable Matter, 240 " 

Iodide of Sodium, a trace 

Total, 296 24 grain* 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, &C, 

Therapeutic Application. 



We come now to the consideration of the proper 
mode of using the Avon waters in the cure of those 
chronic diseases to which, under different forms, they 
have, by experience, been found applicable. It is to 
be borne in mind, that each individual case has its 
own peculiarities, and consequently that only general 
directions can be given for the administration of any 
remedy. Where the case is of such a nature as to re- 
quire caution in the use of medicines, the same prin- 
ciple will apply to this as to any medicinal compound 
of equal power, viz : that if it be inapplicable, or im- 
properly administered, it cannot cure, and may be pro- 
ductive of injury. 

There are several Springs, each of which, in its 
composition, is adapted to particular forms and stages 
of chronic diseases ; and this variety serves to give 
value and therapeutic efficacy to the waters in the ag- 
gregate. For instance, in proportion as the disease 
which we wish to remove partakes of the character of 
acute inflammation,which may be in some measure as- 
certained by the local pain, or by the febrile excite- 
ment attending it, we desire to lessen the quantity of 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas. " It would certainly be 
very injudicious, to commence by drinking the pre- 
scribed quantity of the water of the New Bath Spring, 
which contains 35 cubic inches of gas to the gallon ; 
for it should be remembered that the White Sulphur 
Springs of Virginia, according to the analysis of Pro- 
fessor Eogers, contained only 2 1-2 cubic inches of 
this gas in every gallon ; and Dr. Moorman, the resi- 
1* 



10 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, AC. 

dent physician at those Springs, considered " greatly 
advantageous in many cases, particularly in very ex- 
citable persons ; to have the gas expelled, in part or 
in whole, before using it." 

When the nature of the case indicates caution, we 
would advise the visitor to commence with the heated 
water of the Lower Spring ; thus diminishing the 
quantity of gas as much as possible. The quantity of 
sulphuretted hydrogen contained in a gallon of the 
water of the Lower Spring, as may be seen by refer- 
ence to the analysis, is ten cubic inches; by heating in 
an open vessel, this quantity may be greatly reduced ; 
and there being Springs in the neighborhood present- 
ing every possible variety in this respect, the Avon 
waters may be considered as adapted to all cases of 
disease in which the use of sulphurous waters would 
be admissible or advantageous. There is one fact 
which is of some importance, and should be borne in 
mind by the invalid visitors of these Springs. Upon 
exposure to the atmospheric air, or if the temperature 
of the water be changed, a partial decomposition takes 
place ; and the same effects cannot be expected to fol- 
low its use as will if drank as it issues from the foun- 
tain, or at its source. Its medicinal effect cannot fail 
to be very much altered by exposure or changes of 
temperature. Suitable precautions should be taken, 
if the water be drank at a distance from the Springs, 
that its original nature be preserved. " Quo propius 
aqua libitur a fonta, eo efficacior ; quo remotior, eo fit 
lanquidior"* was the assertion of Hoffman. 

The use of milk associated with sulphurous waters 
was recommended by Hoffman and Borden. The lat- 
ter relates the case of a very delicate and feeble wo- 
man, who was cured of a hemorrhage from the womb, 
by the waters of Barreges. When she drank them 

* Hoffman, Op. T. IV. § 15. " The nearer to the fountain water is drank, the 
more efficacious ; the more remote, the weaker the action." 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, &C. 11 

pure, they caused a very great heat and high fever. 
Cases of a similar nature have occurred at the Avon 
Springs. 

The treatise of Hoffman, " De connubio aguarum 
mineralium cum lade, longe saluberrimo" is extant. 
The disagreable taste of the water is, in some measure, 
concealed by tnis admixture. The operation of Avon 
water upon the human system is modified by the quan- 
tity drank in a given time, and by the constitution, 
habit, and disease of the individual. Generally speak- 
ing, 4 or 6 half pint tumblers of the water, drank dur- 
ing the day, produce a mild cathartic effect ; and un- 
der its long continued exhibition to this extent, no de- 
bility ensues, but, on the contrary, the appetite and 
strength are very much increased. In very large 
doses — eight or ten tumblers a day, for example — it 
operates powerfully upon the bowels, kidneys, and 
skin. A moderate use of this water, persevered in 
for a considerable length of time, will produce an al- 
terative effect, in cases where there is no acute inflam- 
mation. To the sense of smell they present the usual 
properties of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, but in a 
very small degree ; they are not oppressive to the di- 
gestive organs. Some, however, take them in large 
quantities, and often repeat the draught. Others, 
again, never use them until after the first meal. Like 
the Saratoga and Ballston waters, they are sometimes 
drank to a pernicious extent. It is expedient, there- 
fore, in all cases, to regulate their administration by 
their immediate effect ; and regard must be paid to 
age, sex, disease, constitution, and individual peculi- 
arity. To guard against undue local determination, 
either cerebral, thoracic, or visceral, will always be- 
come a matter of professional duty. No rule can be 
given which will apply to many of the complicated 
and intractable cases which annually present them- 
selves at these mineral fountains. With some, from 



12 MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, AC. 

half a pint to a pint daily is all that can be adminis- 
tered ; while there are others upon whom six or eight 
half pint glasses make but a trifling impression. A 
painful tension of the epigastric or hypochondriac re- 
gions is sometimes occasioned by the use of the water, 
a sensation of weight or constriction of the stomach, 
nausea, loss of appetite, or a suppression of some of 
the natural secretions. In these cases, the excitement 
which is produced is not distributed in a equable man- 
ner. This difficulty may be obviated by lessening 
the dose — by using gentle exercise, in order to pro- 
duce slight prespiration — and by various means adapt- 
ed to individual peculiarities. "When heated, the 
Avon water is deprived of a portion of its sulphuretted 
hydrogen gas, and the salts with y> r hich it is impreg- 
nated are rendered more immediately aperient. It 
may, therefore, be used in this way when the inflam- 
matory diathesis prevails to such an extent as to re- 
sist its beneficial and successful administration in its 
natural state. If, however, the tendency to inflamma- 
tion exists to such a degree as to preclude the use of 
the heated water, it becomes necessary to resort to 
other and more active purgatives,or to the lancet, in or- 
der to produce such a condition of the system as will be 
more favorable to its operation. 

Here, again, the variety of Springs affords us ef- 
ficient aid in the accomplishment of our object. If 
the chemical composition of the different Springs be 
referred to, the quantity of aperient salts will be found 
to vary from 82,96 grains in every gallon of water, 
(the New Bath. Spring,) to 296,24 grains, (the Sylvan 
Spring). But the most active purgative salts con- 
tained in these waters are the sulphates of magnesia 
and soda, Of these the Lower Spring contains 63,34 
grains in every gallon of water — the New Bath, 46,80 
grains — the Upper 26 grains — and the Sylvan only 12, 
960 grains. 



MODE OF ADMINISTRATION, dzC. 13 

The effects produced by the waters of these various 
fountains correspond with the known effects of the 
different substances which they contain ; and we find 
the heated water of the Lower Spring to be the most 
brisk cathartic. The time and manner of using the 
waters may be so diversified as to produce various 
effects upon the human system, or upon particular or- 
gans. 

Their purgative operation is mild, but certain, when 
from four to six half-pint glasses are taken in the early 
part of the day. When used as alterants, they should 
be taken in small quantities frequently repeated, and 
their course continued a sufficient length of time for 
the manifestation of their action. Half a pint before 
breakfast, the same quantity at eleven o'clock and at 
twelve in the forenoon will answer the intention ; or 
if this be more than is demanded by the nature of 
the case and the condition of the patient, the quantity 
taken at one time, may be reduced. In some obsti- 
nate cases of rheumatism and cutaneous disease, bene- 
fit has been received from the use of the heated water 
in the evening. In short the administration of these 
waters may be so regulated as to adapt them to fulfil 
various indications. They may be so administered as 
to render them efficient in many different ways. We 
may direct their action towards the respiratory, or the 
digestive, the urinary, or the generative organs ; or to 
the capillary circulation. Again, by the selection of 
an appropriate Spring ; by the regulation of doses, 
and of the time and manner of using them, we may 
produce a more immediate or a more general and al- 
terative effect. 

" Almost every disease to which these waters are 
applicable will admit of the bath. Persons then must 
be guided by some principle in the use of them. The 
question may be asked, what are these principles by 
which the patient should be governed? It matters 



H BATHS AND RULES FOR, USIKG THE WATER. 

not whether the patient be delicate or robust — thin 
or fleshy, if they after coming from the bath, feel a 
glow together with a flushed countenance, may know 
that is the remedy. The same may apply to the 
shower bath. If on the other hand the pulse is soft 
and slow — if the patient has cold perspiration, pale 
face and lips, the hot bath will be the remedy." 

Cold Bath, from - - 42° to 65° 

Tepid Bath, " * - 75° to 95° 

Warm Bath, " - - 95° to 100° 

Hot Bath, " - - 100° to 110° 

Dr. Salisbury was most entirely governed by the 
state of the puise of his patient, in recommending the 
baths — 

" Persons who are inclined to perspire, and are liable 
either to catch cold or to be exhausted from perspira- 
tion, will find the mild months of June, or September, 
the best months for visiting the Springs. The best 
time for drinking the water is early in the morning. 
The heat is then not oppressive, and the body and 
mind are refreshed by sleep ; the Stomach is also 
empty. But some patients cannot leave their beds at 
so early an hour, owing to the nature of their disease. 
Such patients should drink the water in bed, under 
proper restrictions, which are best learned on the spot. 
Gentle exercise between each glass of water is neces- 
sary. It should last about a quarter of an hour. But 
such patients as are not accustomed (to walking), exer- 
cise before breakfast should not force themselves to fol- 
low the above rules ; for fatigue is the very worst con- 
comitant of water drinking. 

Mineral waters — should be drank like other liquids ; 
not gulphed down in a hurry ; for the sake of the gas 
or any other reason — such practice is injurious ; it 
either produces cramp, or oppresses the stomach, — dis- 
tending it with flatus. 



RULES FOR, USING THE WATER. 15 

The warm water should be sipped out of the glass 
— the cold water should be drank slowly, and at several 
draughts. 

Trifling as these rules may appear, the power of di- 
gesting the water often depends upon their observance. 
It is best to begin with half a glass of the cold water at 
a draught, and to proceed, for the first two or three 
glasses, not more until the expiration of a week or ten 
days, when the quantity may be increased. 

If it be cold mineral water that the patient is using, 
he should take care never to drink it while he is him- 
self heated ; for, by that means, he avoids the chance 
of obstructions and inflammation of the bowels. The 
general rule as to the proper quantities of mineral 
water, of a connective nature, is to take as much of it 
as will pass off by the kidneys, or the pores of the 
skin, and cause, at the same time, brisk action of the 
intestinal canal daily." 

The following diseases have been treated successful- 
ly in the use of the Avon waters, by the late Dr. Salis- 
bury. The mode of Treatment and particular char- 
acteristics of each case can be seen in the manuscripts 
left by him. 



CHOLEEA. 



In 1832, when this formidable disease first made 
its appearance in this country, such of the inhabitants 
of our larger cities as could well incur the expense, 
visited our Sulphur Springs, and remained during the 
continuance of its invasion. Many of these persons 
when the}^ left their homes, were afflicted with what 
some have called premonitory symptoms, but which 
are considered by others as the disease itself. It may 
safely be asserted that nearly one half of the visitors 
were from infected places, such as New York, Albany, 
Eochester, Buffalo, Detroit, &c. Of this number a 
very large proportion were suffering when they arrived 
here, from those symptoms which are deemed as diag- 
nostic of the incursive stage of Cholera, such as loss of 
appetite, thirst, painful distention of the stomach and 
bowels, furred tongue, nausea, watery discharges from 
the bowels resembling rice water, with occasional pain- 
ful contraction of the muscles of the arms and legs. 
On the arrival of such persons at Avon, I directed them 
to have immediate recourse to the hot Sulphur bath, to 
drink oi the water frequently but in small quantities. 
There were very few cases in which these symptoms 
continued under such a course longer than twenty-four 
hours, and it was remarkable in very many with what 
rapidity the coat was removed from the tongue by the 
action of the water on the mucous membranes. In a 
few instances, it was some days before an entire removal 
of all untoward symptoms took place. There was not, 
however, among all these infected persons a single case 
of the disease in its advanced stages. It seemed as if 



CASES. 



this very state and condition of the patient was the 
one most favorable to the activity of the water. 



CASES 



I have copied from the late Dr. Salisbury's register 
of cases, two or three that was under his care, in which 
he used the Sulphur water both in bathing and drink- 
ing. 

June, 1842. — Case of mentagra of the upper lip, in 
the acute stage. 

The patient is a .Railroad engineer, 30 years of age, 
of a healthy robust appearance. 

June 7th. — Gave him an active cathartic, venesec- 
tion, 16 oz„ bath of Mineral Water, (a) 105, of the 
(Lower Spring,) this bath to be continued I of an hour 
at 11 o'clock every day. Gave him two grains of 
Sulphuret of Antimony Golden four times a day. 

After the bath a warm bread and milk poultice to 
be applied. 

June 9th. — It should be remarked that there are 
periodical paroxysms occurring about once in four 
days. During these the disease passes through three 
continued stages. 1st. Redness, 2d. Suppuration, 3d. 
Desquamation. 

18th. — Venesection, 16 oz., Antimony continued. 

June 22d. — The disease is much less virulent. The 
swelling gradually subsiding. 

June 29th. — The patient well. 

Z. of Niagara Falls, Aged 30 Years, Disease Chronic 

Bronchitis. 

Distressing cough and expectoration by day ; tough 
mucous every morning ; considerable distress and 



18 OASES 

sense of constriction of upper part of Thorax ; pulse 
nearly natural, but occasionally rather small and 
quick. 

Digestive apparatus sound, but an evident want of 
action. Tongue has a white coat and very dry. Used 
the heated water, six glasses per diem for two weeks, 
and afterwards the cold water in the same quantity 
for two weeks, 16 baths, 4 per week, at 98 deg. 

Patient cured. 



A. B. of New York, Hemoptysis. 

Cured by the use of Lower Spring water mixed 
with milk. Commenced by giving him one wine glass 
of new milk, one of mineral water, one of common 
water, mixed. The mineral water increased after the 
first week, the fifth week he was able to take his half 
pint tumbler of mineral water clear. 

This patient was cured, and had no return of 
his disease. 



RHEUMATISM. 



This water has, from the earliest period at which it 
was known, been used freely in cases of rheumatism. 
Perhaps there is no disease in which it is more 
generally useful. Nevertheless, there have been some 
instances in which it has failed of success, and others 
in which the cure has been very gradual. In such, we 
should enquire if the disease be not neuralgic in its 
character, or if there is not some other disease existing, 
with which the rheumatism is complicated, which 
operates as a continual cause, and which is aggravated 
by the use of the water. The good effect of the Avon 
water seems to be in some measure dependant upon 
its action on the capillary vessels : if free and healthy 
perspiration be produced and sustained, the resolution 
of the disease speedily follows. As a condition of its 
successful application, the disease should have lost its 
inflammatory character ; and when this is not perfect- 
ly the case, resort should be had to venesection, pre- 
vious to the use of the water. As acute rheumatism 
is a disease in which both the sanguiferous and ner- 
vous systems are deeply implicated, it is important 
that the effects of this remedy be cautiously watched. 
The cures of persons afflicted with this painful disease 
have been annually numerous ; and it is my opinion 
that seven-eights of the cases in which this remedy 
has been made use of, have been either relieved or 
cured. It is however, a remedy which is wholly inad- 
missible in the early stages of acute — articular rheu- 
matism. By increasing the activity of the cutaneous 
and urinary secretions and having an alterative influ- 
ence on those of the mucous membranes, the Avon 



20 RHEUMATISM, 

waters effect the speedy resolution of arthritic swelling, 
and, by their use, joints which have been for a long 
time stiffened or anchylosed, are restored to their origi- 
nal form and motion. But it is only in cases of acute 
rheumatism which have passed to a chronic state, or 
in chronic rheumatism, that sulphurous waters are 
indicated. On this subject, Anglada remarks, "if 
our waters, (that is, the thermal sulphurous waters of 
France,) produce less beneficial effect in rheumatic 
gout or articular rheumatism, than in common rheu- 
matism, it is evidently attributable to the character of 

7 u 

the complication which distinguishes it. It is only where 
it is found to have passed its acute stage and when all 
fluxionary activity has disappeared that we can prom- 
ise ourselves any good effect from this mode of treat- 
ment." Proper regulation of the diet and exercise of 
rheumatic patients, as well as the bathing is absolute- 
ly indispensable. 

You have below the class of diseases which, have 
been successfully treated at these Springs. 

Diseases of the Digestive Organs, 
" " Urinary Passages, 

" " Chest, 

" " Skin, 

" " Females. 





NOTEL 



AVON SPRINGS, N. Y. 

18 hours from Philadelphia, New York or Albany ; 2 to 3 hours from Buffalo 
and Niagara Falls ; 40 minutes from Rochester ; every way by Railroad. 

The undersigned would respectfully inform the public that 
he has taken the above named Hotel, and will hereafter con- 
duct the same as a First Class House. 

Extensive additions and improvements have been recently 
made to the House, which has also been in part refurnished. 
Nothing will be omitted on the part of the proprietor which 
will be requisite to make his Hotel one of the best in the 
country, and inviting to the traveler for business or pleasure. 

An Omnibus will convey guests to and from the Springs, 
where they can partake of the healthful waters. 

Good Porters always in attendance at the cars. 

J. W. PIERCE, 

Avon Springs, May, 1858. 




ipaPjMEl 




AVON SPRINGS, N. Y- 

Only a few minutes ride, by the Genesee Valley Railroad, from Rochester ; ac- 
cessible from New York, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, by direct Rail- 
road Communication. 

This favorite Hotel is pleasantly located on a rise of 
ground, between the Upper and Lower Springs, only a 
few rods from either Bath House. 

Having recently purchased the Establishment, and 
thoroughly repaired the buildings, we take pleasure 
in announcing to the public that it is now open for the 
reception of guests, 

C. LOOMIS, 

J. W. LOOMIS, 

Proprietor*, 
Avon Springs, May 20th, 1858. 






yBRAFjY OF CONGRESS , 

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